methods for scanning and registering parts having complex geometries, such as dental study casts and mating housing shells for electronic devices, pacemakers, and other devices.
|
1. A bite registration method for maxilla and mandible study casts, comprising:
positioning the maxilla and mandible study casts on a cassette; scanning the maxilla and mandible study casts while they are on the cassette to create maxilla and mandible study cast images; and registering the maxilla and mandible study cast images.
14. A bite registration method for maxilla and mandible study casts, comprising:
providing a cassette; mounting the maxilla and mandible study casts on the cassette in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to each other; scanning the maxilla and mandible study casts while they are on the cassette to create maxilla and mandible study cast images; and registering the maxilla and mandible study cast images.
2. The bite registration method according to
3. The bite registration method according to
4. The bite registration method according to
5. The bite registration method according to
6. The bite registration method according to
7. The bite registration method according to
8. The bite registration method according to
9. The bite registration method according to
10. The bite registration method according to
11. The bite registration method according to
12. The bite registration method according to
13. The bite registration method according to
15. The bite registration method of
16. The bite registration method of
18. The bite registration method of
|
The present invention relates generally to scanning of complex geometries. More particularly, the invention relates to methods to achieve bite registration of scanned images of dental study casts. The methods also have application in verifying the accuracy of mating parts, such as housings for electronic devices including cellular telephones and electronic organizers, and other housings of complex geometry such as a pacemaker housing.
Dental study casts are an integral part of a dentist's understanding of how a patient's teeth and bite function in a static relationship. This static relationship serves three important functions. The primary function is one of a diagnostic function for interpretation of any discrepancies or problems that exist within the bite relationship. The second function is educational. For example, the study casts provide better communication as a concrete model while helping the patient understand any discrepancies that may exist in the way their teeth function in that static relationship. Third, the dental study casts serve an important medical/legal function in defining the pre-existing static bite relationship prior to the performance of any work. This work can be defined either from an oral surgical standpoint, prosthetic standpoint or orthodontic/periodontal standpoint.
Significant complications are associated with study casts, however, since the casts need to be stored for an extended period (generally seven years). For example, the storage of the study casts requires large amounts of space in humidity controlled environments, as well as extensive laboratory procedures involving OSHA guidelines and space utilization for the study casts to be constructed. In addition, a significant amount of turn-around time is required for the curing process of the plastic study casts to occur. In light of these significant constraints as well as the importance associated with having an accurate recording of the pre-existing bite relationship, there arises a need for an apparatus (or system) and method in which electronic image data can be collected from an impression to circumvent the need for storage of physical study casts.
As noted above, in order to study dental work to be performed on a patient's teeth, a working model of the teeth constructed of a plaster study cast is created. The plaster cast is based on a series of impressions taken to obtain the geometry of the teeth. To take an impression, alginate impression material is poured into a tray (i.e., an impression tray) which is then introduced into the patient's mouth for a period of time (typically one to two minutes). The impression material sets about the teeth and soft tissues forming a negative impression. The patient also bites into a soft material for registering a simultaneous imprint of the upper and lower set of teeth which records the relationship of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws respectively in three planes of space.
Once the impressions have set, they are sent to a lab to be processed into an upper and lower plaster study cast. The study casts are articulated together via the bite registration material to reproduce the bite of the patient. After construction, the study casts are returned to the dentist/orthodontist as a working study cast.
Formation of the study casts are governed by guidelines set by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). As illustrated in
A serious drawback of this method is the number of labor intensive steps required to produce the study casts, the space and legal storage requirements of the study casts, and the inability to interface the study casts interactively with other diagnosis information (e.g., photographs and radiographs). Accordingly, if additional work is required, the cast fails in some way or is damaged, and/or the cast is lost, then an additional impression series must be taken. The development of a set of electronic data from the series of dental impressions wherein only a single impression need be taken for multiple interactive functions would be beneficial.
In the past, several devices have been designed for the electronic imaging of teeth. Also, other devices are known which utilize numerical data to create prototype devices. While known examples of such systems and devices follow, generally such systems do not provide the accuracy required for orthodontic work. Instead, such systems are generally useful only for crowns, fillings, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,312 generally discloses a dental probe having a stylus which is connected through a rod to a three position transducer. Three signals are produced for indicating the position of the probe at any point to which the probe is applied. The transducers are mounted on an index tray which is adapted to be fastened to the jaw of the patient. Thus the patient's jaw becomes the origin against which all measurements are made. Contact between the tip of the stylus and the patient's tissue completes a circuit to turn on a recording mechanism which receives the transducer's outputs.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,288 generally discloses a method of automatically producing dental prostheses (e.g., crowns, inlays, dentures and the like) using an optical impression taken of the oral region with nontraumatic radiation. The reflected waves are transformed into numerical data which is used to operate a numerically controlled machine in the fabrication process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,964 generally discloses an apparatus for producing, from an object having a three-dimensional shape, a shape equivalent or analogous to the three-dimensional shape. Here, light is irradiated to the object in an optical cutting plane. The light is picked up by an image pick-up device, and two-dimensional positions of the light are obtained in a direction perpendicular to the optical cutting plane to determine its three dimensional shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,635 generally discloses a three-dimensional point measuring system which includes a laser diode for projecting a triangulating beam at a surface to be mapped, with the beam scanned repeatedly across the surface. Photodetectors detect the position of the beam as reflected from the mapped surface, given by triangulation Z-axis or depth information. Correlation of a particular point with the position of the scanner along the scan line gives Y-axis information, or information in a width direction. The scanner and diode are mounted on a slide or platform device which moves perpendicularly to the Y axis in the direction in and out of the mouth, driven by a stepper motor, and the monitored position of the stepper motor is coordinated with the other information on each spot to yield X-axis information.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,877 generally discloses a method and apparatus for optically sampling numerous points on the surface of an object to remotely sense its shape utilizing two stages. The first stage employs a moveable non-contact scanner, which in normal operation sweeps a narrow beam of light across the object, illuminating a single point of the object at any given instant in time. The location of that point relative to the scanner is sensed by multiple linear photodetector arrays behind lenses in the scanner. These sense the location by measuring the relative angular parallax of the point. The second stage employs multiple fixed but widely separated photoelectronic sensors to detect the locations of several light sources affixed to the scanner. Individual light sources are distinguished by time-multiplexing their on-off states. A coordinate computer calculates the absolute spatial positions where the scanner light beam is incident on the object to generate a computer model of the object.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,049 discloses a method for use in preparing a dental prosthesis and U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,454 generally discloses a system for use in preparing a dental prosthesis.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,472 discloses a method for collecting three-dimensional surface information in dental applications via a video camera. A tape strip is applied to a tooth surface to provide a distance reference or standard for use by a computer in analyzing the video data to determine actual distances. The tape strips are additionally provided with identification markings identifying the type of surfaces and the teeth to which the tape strips are attached.
Each of the foregoing systems, devices and methods suffer the drawback in that bulky, expensive specialized devices are required. The processes are extremely time consuming or require the introduction of devices into the patient's mouth for extended periods of time or which leads to patient discomfort. Also, these systems are limited to dental restorative procedures only. Reduced accuracy and precision of the measurements also greatly limit the usefulness of these systems to direct scanning of the dental impressions, study casts or both.
In addition, once a set of electronic data from a series of dental impressions has been taken, there exists a need to be able to accurately register the subsequently created maxilla and mandible scanned images to produce an accurate display of the patient's bite registration.
There exists a need for methods for achieving registration of maxilla and mandible study cast images in order to produce an accurate display of the bite registration of the patient.
The present invention provides methods for scanning and registering parts having complex geometries, such as dental study casts and mating housing shells for electronic devices, pacemakers, and other devices.
In one aspect of the invention, a bite registration method for maxilla and mandible study casts is provided. The method comprises scanning the maxilla and mandible study casts to create maxilla and mandible study cast images, and registering the maxilla and mandible study cast images.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of verifying a mating relationship between objects to be mated together is provided. The method comprises scanning the objects to create images of the objects, registering the object images by aligning a plurality of selected reference points associated with the object images, and bringing the registered object images together to a position representative of the mating relationship of the objects.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying description, in which there is described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views:
A detailed discussion of the present invention will be deferred pending a discussion of a scanning method used to create images of scanned dental study casts. Although the preferred embodiment is described in relation to achieving bite registration of scanned dental study cast images, it is to be realized that the methods described herein have applications in numerous other areas as well, including scanning and registering mating parts, such as molded housing for cellular phones, electronic organizers, pacemakers, and a host of other parts having complex geometries, in order to verify the accuracy of the molds and the molding process used to create the parts.
1. Overview
Referring first to
Next, at block 30, the study casts are placed in a tool or fixture 600 (described below and best seen in
Next at block 35, scanning of the study casts occurs. The scanner 60 is preferably a laser scanner that is capable of movements along the x-y-z axes to permit scanning of the complex geometries of dental study casts.
With reference to
Further details on the scanning process and processing the image data can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,217,334, 6,206,693, and 6,200,135, which are incorporated herein by reference.
The scanner used in the present invention is preferably a laser scanner. However, other scanning concepts can also be used to practice the methods described herein, such as digitizing scanning.
The scanned images of the maxilla and mandible study casts are described as being displayed on display device 503, such as on a monitor of a personal computer. However, the scanned images must first be registered with each other so that the displayed image accurately portrays the existing static bite relationship of the patient's maxilla and mandible teeth. Therefore, suitable methodology is required to achieve registration of the scanned images.
2. Bite Registration
As noted above, after scanning of the dental study casts is complete, achieving an accurate bite registration of the scanned images of the maxilla (i.e. upper) and mandible (i.e. lower) study casts that are displayed on the display unit 503 is necessary. The following describes different methods according to the present invention by which bite registration can be achieved.
This method utilizes a clutch tray 100, such as the clutch tray disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,334, which is incorporated herein by reference. The clutch tray 100 simultaneously records a negative impression of the patients upper and lower teeth. Moreover, this method utilizes tooling 150 for securely holding the tray for subsequent scanning, such as tooling disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,135, which application is incorporated herein by reference.
In practicing the first method, after a patient bites into the impression material on the clutch tray 100, thereby recording an impression of the patient's bite registration, the tray 100 is mounted on the tooling 150. The upper and lower impressions on the tray are then scanned, and visual images of the upper and lower impressions are created and displayed on the computer.
By aligning the four points on the upper impression image 102 with the four corresponding points on the upper study cast image 106, and aligning the four points on the lower impression image 104 with the corresponding four points on the lower cast image 108, an accurate bite registration of the upper and lower scanned images is achieved. The selection and alignment of the points is done manually on the computer by an operator through the input device. The images are displayed on the display unit with the images of the upper and lower impressions disposed between the images of the upper and lower casts. The operator manipulates the images on the computer to achieve alignment of the points. Typically, the images would be displayed and viewed on the display unit in superimposed top or bottom plan views (e.g. see
Once the cast images are registered, the registered images are moved toward each as illustrated in the side view of
This method relies upon operator manipulation of the displayed images to achieve registration once the study casts and clutch tray scans are complete. Precise positioning of the study casts on their support structure is not required. Instead, because registration is achieved manually once the scan images are created, positioning of the study casts on the support structure can be random.
This method is relatively time and labor intensive in that it requires scanning of the clutch tray, in addition to scanning of the study casts, as well as requiring manual manipulation of the displayed images to achieve registration.
This method utilizes impressions that are recorded by a buccal impression registration apparatus to achieve registration of the scanned dental study cast images. A suitable buccal impression registration apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,693, which application is incorporated by reference.
In practicing the second method, once the impressions are recorded by the first and second buccal apparatus, each buccal apparatus is mounted on tooling for scanning. The impressions are then scanned, and visual images of the scanned impressions are created and displayed on the computer.
By aligning the four points I-L on the image 129 with the four corresponding points I'-L' on the image 127, aligning the four points on the lower portion of the recorded buccal impression and the four points corresponding portion of the scanned image for the lower study cast, and aligning the points on the other side of the mouth, an accurate bite registration of the upper and lower scanned images is achieved. Thus, a total of sixteen points are selected and aligned for each side of the mouth. The selection and alignment of the points is done manually on the computer by an operator through the input device. The images are displayed on the display unit with the images of the buccal impressions disposed adjacent the images of the upper and lower casts. The operator shifts the upper and lower cast images on the computer to achieve alignment of the points. Once the points are aligned, the images of the buccal impressions are removed, leaving the upper and lower cast images in registration. The images are then brought together in the manner discussed for method #1 to a position representative of the patient's bite registration.
As for method #1, the second method relies upon operator manipulation of the displayed images to achieve registration once the study cast and buccal impression scans are complete. Precise positioning of the study casts on their support structure is not required. Instead, because registration is achieved manually once the scan images are created, positioning of the study casts on the support structure can be random.
This method is also relatively time and labor intensive in that it requires scanning of each buccal apparatus, in addition to scanning of the study casts, as well as requiring manual manipulation of the displayed images to achieve registration. The extent of the impressions recorded by the buccal apparatus are limited in extent thereby reducing the area to be scanned. In addition, more points need to be selected and aligned in the second method as compared to the first method, thereby resulting in increased operator input and registration time compared to the first method. However, the use of the buccal apparatus permits an increase in the accuracy of the resulting registration.
The second method has been described with respect to the alignment of four points. At least three points are required to be used, but this reduces the accuracy of the resulting registration. Further, a number of points larger than four can also be used. However, this results in a larger number of data points to be selected and aligned.
This method utilizes the precise geometry of the machined plaster study casts 1, 2 of
With reference to
The positioning of the study casts 1, 2 on the cassette 210 is not critical, as long as the study casts are able to be scanned by the scanner 60. However, it is important that the study casts 1, 2 be rigidly fixed onto the cassette 210 in such a manner that the study casts do not move or shift during the scanning process. If the study casts 1, 2 do move relative to the cassette 210 during scanning, the subsequently created scanned image will be distorted as a result of the movement. One way of fixing the study casts onto the cassette 210 is by the use of hot melt glue applied to the bottom surfaces 6, 6' of the study casts. The use of hot melt glue is a relatively inexpensive, effective means for fixing the study casts to the cassette 210. Further, hot melt glue permits detachment of the study casts from the cassette once scanning is complete, thereby allowing the cassette 210 to be reused for another set of study casts. Other means for fixing the study casts onto the cassette can also be utilized, such as by the use of releasable clamping mechanisms and the like. It is further contemplated that this method could be implemented by mounting and scanning the study casts separately. However, as discussed above, this would result in increased labor and time.
Once the study casts 1, 2 are mounted on the cassette 210 and the cassette is mounted on the fixture 600 of the scanner, the study casts are scanned to create scanned images 212, 214 of the upper and lower study casts, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 14. Registration of the images 212, 214 is achieved by manipulating the scanned images on the display unit 503 so that the edge 200 on the image 212 is vertically aligned with the edge 206 on the image 214 along the vertical line A (extending into and out of the page) in
This method is simpler to implement than methods #1 and #2 as the points (e.g. edges 200-206) that are used to achieve registration are essentially preselected based upon the standard design of the plaster study casts. Further, because the bases of the study casts are based on a standard design, the computer can be instructed to look for the edges 200, 206 and 202, 204 and align the edges automatically without operator manipulation of the images. Therefore, this method could be used to automate the scanning and registration process. However, as discussed above, plaster study casts are expensive and labor intensive due to the precise machining requirements.
This method can be used with the machined plaster study casts 1, 2. More preferably, this method is used with study casts 250, 252 that have roughly formed (i.e. not machined to precise geometric specifications) bases. In this method, the study casts 250, 252 are initially mounted on a cassette 254 in known locations relative to each other, prior to scanning. Because the positioning of each study cast relative to the other is known, once scanning is complete, the scanned images can be brought into registration using predetermined reference points.
With reference to
A wax wafer 282, or other similar impression material, which has been previously bit into by the patient corresponding to the study casts 250, 252 to record the patient's bite registration, is then placed onto the study cast 252. The wafer 282 is placed onto the study cast so that the impression that corresponds to study cast 252 fits onto the teeth of the cast 252. The study cast 250 is then placed on top of the wafer 282 with the teeth fitting into their corresponding impression in the wafer. It should be realized that the wafer 282 permits the study casts 250, 252 to be registered with each other while on the tool 256. Once the study casts are registered, the plate 280 is fixed onto the bottom surface of the study cast 250 such as by using hot melt glue or other fixing means.
The slide 258 is then slid downward, either manually using a knob 284 fixed to the arm 268 or through suitable mechanical means (not illustrated), toward the plate 280. The arm 268 then captures the plate 280, with the locating pins 270', 272' fitting into the locating holes 270, 272. A fastener 286 connected to the plate 280 extends upwardly through a hole provided in the arm 268 to permit the plate 280, and the study cast 250 now fixed thereto, to be fixed to the arm 268 so when the slide 256 is again raised, the study cast 250 and plate 280 are raised with the slide 256. Raising the slide 256 separates the study casts 250, 252 while precisely maintaining the relative positioning of the study casts so that the registration is maintained.
After the slide 258 is raised, the plate 280, with the study cast 250 fixed thereto, is removed from the arm 268, flipped over so that the study cast 250 faces upward, and mounted onto the second half of the cassette 254 so that both study casts are now fixed on the cassette. The study casts can then be scanned to create the scanned images as discussed above for method #3. It should be realized that the study casts are mounted on the cassette 254 in positions that maintain the bite registration of the patient. However, what is also needed are reference points so that the images can be aligned.
Reference points used in this method are achieved in accordance with a calibration process illustrated in FIG. 17. The calibration process is performed prior to mounting the study casts on the cassette. To perform calibration, the cassette 254 is provided with a removable plate 290, in place of the plate 280. The plate 290 includes a plurality of tooling balls 292 thereon. In the preferred embodiment, three tooling balls 292 are used, however a larger number of tooling balls could also be used. A layer of clay 294 or other impression material is placed on the other half of the cassette 254. The cassette 254 is mounted on the tool 256 as discussed above, with the clay 294 located underneath the arm 268, and the plate 290 is mounted on the arm 268 with the tooling balls 292 facing downward toward the clay 294. The slide 258 is then moved downward until the balls 292 move into the clay 294 in order to form tooling ball impressions 296. The slide 258 is then moved upwardly and the plate 290 removed therefrom and remounted onto the cassette 254.
The cassette 254 is then mounted on the fixture of the scanner and the scanner scans the tooling balls 292 and the impressions 296. By scanning the tooling balls 292 and impressions 296, the system can find the centers of the balls 292 and impressions 296, with the centers providing fixed reference points for use in aligning the subsequently scanned study casts. These fixed reference points are retained within the memory device 504, so that the system knows ahead of time the reference points to be used. Due to the construction of the tool 256 and the cassette 254, the relative positions of the centers of the tooling balls 282 and the centers of the impressions 296 correspond to identical positions on the study casts 250, 252. Therefore, once the images of the study casts are generated, the three fixed points can be aligned to register the scanned impressions. After the points are aligned, the scanned images can be brought together to a position representative of the patient's actual bite registration. The reference points are fixed in system memory, so that once the study casts are properly positioned on the cassette 254, the scanning and registration can be completed automatically, without requiring further operator input. It is further contemplated that the use of the tool and the related process of positioning the study casts on the cassette 254 can be automated as well.
Periodically, the calibration process should be repeated so as to obtain updated reference points. This is necessary due to loosening of tolerances and general degradation of equipment.
A benefit to this method is that is can be used with roughly formed study casts, thereby eliminating the expense and labor associated with machining plaster study casts. This method can also be more readily implemented with automated scanning concepts.
The previous four methods have been described in relation to scanning and registering dental study casts. However, as discussed above, the concepts described herein can also be used to scan and register a variety of parts that are to be mated together, such as molded housing shells for cellular phones, electronic organizers, pacemakers, and a host of other parts having complex geometries. When applied to mated parts, the accuracy of the parts, and the molds used to create the parts, can be verified to determine whether a suitable fit between the parts will be achieved. This verification can be performed at the manufacturing level by the supplier of the molded parts as the molded parts are molded, or at an assembly level by the user of the molded parts to ensure quality of received parts. Molded parts can include plastic molded parts, metal parts formed by metal molding techniques, and mating parts formed from other materials and other molding techniques suitable for those other materials.
The concepts of the four methods described above with respect to dental study casts can be utilized to scan the shells 300, 302 and display their mating relationship (i.e. "verify" the parts) to determine whether the shells fit together adequately. A plurality of reference points would have to be used to achieve alignment of the shell images once they are scanned. For instance, three points R, S, T on the shell 300, and three points R', S', T' on the shell 302, corresponding to, for example, mounting posts on the shells 300, 302, could be used to align the images once the shells are scanned. Method #4 described above could also be used to scan and register the shells 300, 302.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described, it will be understood that by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by the application, embodiment or the particular devices disclosed and described herein. It will be appreciated that other devices that embody the principles of this invention and other applications therefore other than as described herein can be configured within the spirit and intent of this invention. The systems and apparatus described herein are provided as only examples that incorporates and practices the principles of this invention. Other modifications and alterations are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art and are to be included within the broad scope of the appended claims.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
Marshall, Michael C., Hultgren, Bruce W., Vadnais, Timothy W.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10098714, | Dec 19 2012 | ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Apparatus and method for optically scanning an object in registration with a reference pattern |
10162343, | Jul 23 2014 | Apple Inc. | Adaptive processes for improving integrity of surfaces |
10470726, | May 15 2015 | TROPHY | Method and apparatus for x-ray scan of occlusal dental casts |
10617489, | Dec 19 2012 | ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Creating a digital dental model of a patient's teeth using interproximal information |
10649497, | Jul 23 2014 | Apple Inc | Adaptive processes for improving integrity of surfaces |
11534266, | Dec 19 2012 | ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Creating a digital dental model of a patient's teeth using interproximal information |
11660170, | May 15 2019 | Method for ensuring functional occlusion for customized orthodontic devices | |
6968247, | Jan 17 2003 | Ivoclar Vivadent AG | Method and apparatus for producing a dental product |
7229283, | Feb 09 2005 | POU YU BIOTECHNOLOGY CO , LTD ; YAU, HONG-TZONG; HSIEH, TSUNG-TUNG; KUO, CHUAN-CHU; CHEN, JIUN-REN; HONG-TZONG YAU; TSUNG-TUNG HSIEH; CHUAN-CHU KUO; JIUN-REN CHEN | Dental cast scanning apparatus |
7349130, | May 04 2001 | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | Automated scanning system and method |
7362890, | May 24 2001 | ASTRA TECH INC | Registration of 3-D imaging of 3-D objects |
7551760, | May 24 2001 | ASTRA TECH INC | Registration of 3D imaging of 3D objects |
7702492, | Mar 11 2004 | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | System and method for generating an electronic model for a dental impression having a common coordinate system |
7716024, | Apr 29 2003 | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | Method and apparatus for electronically generating a color dental occlusion map within electronic model images |
7824346, | Mar 11 2004 | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | Determining condyle displacement utilizing electronic models of dental impressions having a common coordinate system |
8359114, | Nov 28 2006 | DENTSABLE, INC | Haptically enabled dental modeling system |
8417493, | Mar 11 2004 | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | Scanning dental models |
8491306, | Aug 03 2005 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Registering physical and virtual tooth structures with pedestals |
8500448, | Oct 27 2006 | Nobel Biocare Services AG | Dental model, articulator and methods for production thereof |
8602773, | Oct 27 2006 | Nobel Biocare Services AG | Dental impression tray for use in obtaining an impression of a dental structure |
8932058, | Nov 30 2005 | 3SHAPE A S | Impression scanning for manufacturing of dental restorations |
9439608, | Apr 20 2007 | Medicim NV | Method for deriving shape information |
D949152, | Mar 28 2019 | Medit Corp.; MEDIT CORP | Scanner |
RE44465, | Apr 29 2002 | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | Method and apparatus for electronically generating a color dental occlusion map within electronic model images |
RE46626, | Oct 27 2006 | Nobel Biocare Services AG | Dental impression tray for use in obtaining an impression of a dental structure |
RE46824, | Oct 27 2006 | Nobel Biocare Services AG | Dental impression tray for use in obtaining an impression of a dental structure |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
4182312, | May 20 1977 | Dental probe | |
4602905, | Mar 26 1985 | Dental impression registration device | |
4611288, | Apr 14 1982 | DURET INVENTEUR | Apparatus for taking odontological or medical impressions |
4752964, | Apr 17 1984 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Method and apparatus for producing three-dimensional shape |
4837732, | Jun 24 1986 | Sirona Dental Systems GmbH | Method and apparatus for the three-dimensional registration and display of prepared teeth |
4935635, | Dec 09 1988 | System for measuring objects in three dimensions | |
5198877, | Oct 15 1990 | BANK OF MONTREAL | Method and apparatus for three-dimensional non-contact shape sensing |
5224049, | Apr 10 1990 | Method, system and mold assembly for use in preparing a dental prosthesis | |
5338198, | Nov 22 1993 | DACIM Laboratory Inc. | Dental modeling simulator |
5347454, | Apr 10 1990 | Method, system and mold assembly for use in preparing a dental restoration | |
5448472, | Apr 10 1990 | Method using reference indicia on tape attached to mouth surface to obtain three dimensional contour data | |
6152731, | Sep 22 1997 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Methods for use in dental articulation |
6200135, | Jan 28 1997 | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR AGENT | Scanning apparatus fixture for holding impression trays |
6206693, | Jan 28 1997 | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR AGENT | Buccal impression registration apparatus, and method of use |
6217334, | Jan 28 1997 | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR AGENT | Dental scanning method and apparatus |
6227851, | Dec 04 1998 | Align Technology, INC | Manipulable dental model system for fabrication of a dental appliance |
6261098, | Apr 10 1997 | Nobel Biocare AB | Arrangement for recreating a model of a dental product |
6394801, | Dec 04 1998 | ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC. | Manipulable dental model system for fabrication of dental appliances |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Dec 22 2000 | GeoDigm Corporation | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Jul 20 2001 | VADNAIS, TIMOTHY W | GeoDigm Corporation | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 012092 | /0425 | |
Jul 20 2001 | MARSHALL, MICHAEL C | GeoDigm Corporation | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 012092 | /0425 | |
Jul 25 2001 | HULTGREN, BRUCE W | GeoDigm Corporation | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 012092 | /0425 | |
Sep 26 2013 | GeoDigm Corporation | GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT | REAFFIRMATION OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT | 031343 | /0459 | |
Nov 17 2015 | GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS RETIRING AGENT | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, LLC, AS SUCCESSOR AGENT | ASSIGNMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT | 037127 | /0692 | |
Jun 01 2017 | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, LLC | GeoDigm Corporation | RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 042637 | /0305 | |
Jun 01 2017 | GeoDigm Corporation | CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | SECURITY INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 042585 | /0765 | |
Oct 26 2020 | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | OWL ROCK CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | SECURITY INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 054198 | /0517 | |
Oct 26 2020 | GeoDigm Corporation | NATIONAL DENTEX, LLC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 054171 | /0001 | |
Oct 26 2020 | CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | GeoDigm Corporation | RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 054169 | /0884 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Nov 16 2006 | M2551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Yr, Small Entity. |
Nov 19 2010 | STOL: Pat Hldr no Longer Claims Small Ent Stat |
Nov 22 2010 | M1552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity. |
Nov 24 2014 | M1553: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 12th Year, Large Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Jun 17 2006 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Dec 17 2006 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 17 2007 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Jun 17 2009 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Jun 17 2010 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Dec 17 2010 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 17 2011 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Jun 17 2013 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Jun 17 2014 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Dec 17 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jun 17 2015 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Jun 17 2017 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |